Most of the time the lips are resected for causes related to the environment or habits that are harmful. However, dryness and cracking of the lips may also be due to slightly more complex health problems.
The reasons why the lips are dry are varied and most of them have to do with external factors that affect this area of ​​the face. Only rarely is this dryness related to more serious health problems.

When the lips dry out there is a fundamentally aesthetic effect. For most, lips are more attractive if they are moisturized and keep their color alive. If they look cracked, they acquire an aged appearance that remains attractive.

Usually, this problem is solved with simple homemade care measures. However, in a few cases, the situation can get complicated and cause pain, and even bleeding. Therefore, if the lips are dry, it is best to pay attention and apply the measures of the case to correct it.

Dry lips

Most people, men, and women, have dry lips at some time in their lives. Beyond the aesthetic, the important thing is to specify the cause of this situation and avoid causing additional discomfort or unnecessary complications.

The lips dry out because there is a loss of natural oils and lipids in the outer layer of this area. This leads to a lack of hydration that causes cracks in the lips. If they become very deep, more serious problems such as fungus or sores may occur.

Main causes of dry lips

The most common is that the lips are resected by the action of external or environmental factors. In those cases, it is enough to avoid the agent or the generating stimulus so that the problem is solved. The main factors by which the lips are resected are the following:

Low temperatures. During the winter, or when it is very cold, the lips are often dry. It is because they lack sebaceous glands and therefore do not produce natural protective oils. For the same, they get irritated and split.

UV. When we expose the sun without adequate protection, the lips can dry out, injure or burn. The lips are sensitive to ultraviolet rays.

Licking your lips often. Sometimes, the lips are slightly dry and generate a slight feeling of discomfort. To relieve it, some people suck them; However, this only increases dryness, due to the action of a substance called lysozyme, which is present in saliva.

Breathe through the mouth. When you breathe through your mouth, dry mouth often occurs and this, in turn, causes.

Snuff consumption. Tobacco can cause irritation to the lips and dry them, as can chewing gum and other products such as too sweet foods, coffee, very salty or spicy foods.

Some medications. One of the side effects of some medications is dry lips.

Other causes for dry lips

Sometimes the lips are resected for causes that require more attention. Sometimes, they are temporary states that carry a certain risk; on other occasions, it has to do with pathologies that cause this effect. Let’s see:

Dehydration. Dry lips, especially if accompanied by dry eyes and mouth, are signs of dehydration. It can be of several levels and the most severe is dangerous for health, and even for life.

An allergic reaction. Some foods or cosmetic products cause the lips to swell, become irritated and crack. The allergic reaction can also occur against some elements of the environment.

Yeast infection. When dry lips are accompanied by cracks in the corners, it is most likely a yeast infection. It is best to hydrate sufficiently and avoid sucking or biting your lips.

The lack of vitamins. The lack of vitamin B2 affects the metabolism of fats and imbalances the level of amino acids in the blood. Swollen and chapped lips may signal that this vitamin is missing.

Too much vitamin A. It can also be a sign that there is too much vitamin A. Many times, this happens because too many dietary supplements are taken. If there is a lot of vitamin A, both the lips and the skin look cracked.

Underlying diseases. Some diseases cause the lips to dry out, especially diabetes and autoimmune diseases.

The Bottom Line

Most of the time, the lips are resected by environmental factors. However, sometimes they can be the symptom of underlying diseases, allergic reactions or consumption of certain medications. If the symptom persists or if it is accompanied by other clinical manifestations it is important to consult the doctor.